If you're part of Gen Y and a younger mom-to-be, you probably have a certain philosophy: You want to live your life to the fullest while pregnant. But does this mean that you have to give up certain activities, like hitting the club scene? Can you still party while pregnant? And what about after the baby is born and you're breastfeeding?

"[You] may feel like [you are] able to de-stress with the dancing, visiting with friends, etc.," says Michelle Collins, assistant professor of Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery Specialty, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tenn. Indeed, continuing social bonds is likely one important reason many women would choose to go out dancing during this time. Staying active is another. But what is the downside of clubbing while pregnant?

"There are no 'pros' of going to a club when you are pregnant," says Dr. Erika Schwartz, medical director of Cinergy Health, based out of NYC. There are only cons, she says, which include the following:

• Inhaling secondhand smoke, which can damage the lung growth of your baby and cause birth defects.
• Being exposed to loud music that disrupts the baby's comfort (don't forget, babies can hear outside the womb).
• Over-exertion while dancing, which can also cause the baby discomfort, even creating early contractions and preterm labor.
• Drinking alcohol, which can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and other birth defects.
• Lack of sleep for a pregnant woman, which means lack of sleep for a baby and can inhibit the healthy development processes.

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